Hi jane,
Please try the steps in the AI Answer first and let me know how the installation goes. If Minecraft is still stuck on “Preparing to download,” could you also press Windows key + R, type winver and share the Windows 11 version and OS build shown? Please don’t include any account details or other personal information.
It would also help to know whether other free Store apps download normally, whether an error code eventually appears and whether you’re using a VPN, proxy or work/school-managed PC.
If the issue continues, open Settings > System > System components > Microsoft Store > Advanced options and select Repair. If that doesn’t help, select Reset, reopen Microsoft Store, sign in again and retry the installation. You can also temporarily disconnect any VPN and test the download using another connection, such as a mobile hotspot.
Let me know what happens after these checks. This should help narrow down whether the issue is specific to Minecraft, the Store, the Windows build or the network.